Negative memory bias predicts change in psychiatric problems in a naturalistic psychiatric patient sample

Self-referential negative memory bias contributes to depression and other psychiatric disorders. Co-morbidity between these disorders is highly common in clinical practice, but transdiagnostic predictors like negative memory bias are not well understood yet. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the predictive value of negative memory bias for long-term change in broad psychiatric problems. In a naturalistic psychiatric patient sample (N = 202), using a prospective design, we examined the predictive value of negative memory bias (Self-Referent Encoding Task, SRET) for change in psychiatric problems (Outcome Questionnaire-45, OQ-45) after one, two, three, and four years. More negative memory bias predicted more psychiatric problems three and four years later, even when controlling for baseline psychiatric problems and depression. Memory bias might be a transdiagnostic predictor of change in psychiatric problems. Including such neuropsychological measures in diagnostics and symptom course prediction may improve psychological interventions.